FIFA 23: The Ultimate Review of EA Sports’ Final FIFA-Titled Game
The FIFA franchise by EA Sports has been a cornerstone of football video games for nearly three decades. With FIFA 23, EA closes the chapter on its iconic collaboration with FIFA before transitioning to its new branding: EA Sports FC. This review explores FIFA 23 from launch to legacy, offering deep insights into gameplay, modes, improvements, and controversies. Whether you’re a veteran player or new to the pitch, this guide is your all-in-one breakdown of the game’s triumphs and trials.
1. The Anticipation and Launch of FIFA 23
The End of an Era
With FIFA 23, EA Sports bid farewell to the official FIFA license after 30 years. The anticipation was high as fans hoped the studio would leave a strong final impression under the FIFA banner.
Dual Launch Strategy
EA released FIFA 23 on September 30, 2022, across major platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch (Legacy Edition). Pre-orders and early access allowed Ultimate Edition owners to play several days earlier.
Highlights at Launch:
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Full cross-play for 1v1 modes across same-generation consoles.
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Introduction of HyperMotion2 tech for next-gen gameplay.
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First-time inclusion of both men's and women's club teams.
2. Gameplay Mechanics and Innovations
HyperMotion2 Technology: Realism Reimagined
EA introduced HyperMotion2, an advanced motion capture system that brought fluidity and authenticity to player movement. Using machine learning, the engine analyzed over 6,000 animations captured from real-life football matches.
What It Changed:
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More realistic transitions during sprints and tackles.
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New animations for goalkeepers, making saves more dynamic.
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Varied passing and shooting stances based on player stats.
Matchday Experience
From enhanced lighting to crowd behavior and chants, FIFA 23 delivered an improved matchday atmosphere. Commentators Derek Rae and Stewart Robson added layers of contextual analysis during matches.
3. Career Mode: More Depth, Still Lacking in Some Areas
Manager Career
Players could finally create a custom manager or pick real-life ones like Klopp or Guardiola. The Transfer Analyst now rated your signings with grades from A to F, adding a layer of realism.
Player Career
You could now earn Personality Points and unlock Skill Tree Perks, which allowed for a tailored playing style. However, storylines remained underwhelming, with cutscenes being limited and repetitive.
Pros:
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New playable highlights feature to skip boring sections.
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Smarter AI for teammates during simulated matches.
Cons:
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No major revamp to the core experience.
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Transfer logic still flawed.
4. Ultimate Team (FUT): Evolving the Franchise's Biggest Mode
Chemistry Overhaul
EA reimagined the chemistry system, moving away from rigid links based on formation. Players now gained chemistry through shared club, league, or nationality, regardless of position.
FUT Moments
A new single-player mode offering bite-sized challenges and seasonal rewards. It gave casual players more ways to earn packs without heavy grind or online play.
Key Features:
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World Cup FUT Content: Limited-time player cards tied to Qatar 2022.
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Icons and Heroes: Enhanced stats, new abilities, and themed content.
5. Women’s Football: A Big Step Forward
Club Teams Introduced
For the first time, women’s club football debuted in FIFA, with Barclays Women’s Super League and Division 1 Arkema.
H3: Women’s World Cup Integration
EA later released a free update that included the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023, complete with authentic kits, players, and stadiums.
Pros:
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Realistic player models for female stars.
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Dedicated commentary and broadcast visuals.
Cons:
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Still limited teams compared to men’s rosters.
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No integration into Career or FUT.
6. Graphics and Visuals: A Feast for the Eyes
Next-Gen Lighting and Textures
FIFA 23’s Hyper-real visuals were especially impressive on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Stadiums felt alive, with realistic grass deformation and enhanced crowd reactions.
Notable Visual Enhancements:
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Authentic pre-match build-up sequences.
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Cinematic replays and real-time stat overlays.
PC Parity Achieved
For the first time in years, PC players received next-gen parity, enjoying HyperMotion2, updated visuals, and next-level physics.
7. Soundtrack and Audio: A Global Celebration
Iconic Soundtrack
FIFA 23 featured over 100 tracks from artists around the world, blending genres from hip-hop to Afrobeat and Latin pop.
H4: Notable Artists
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Bad Bunny
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ROSALÍA
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Stromae
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FKA twigs
Commentary and Stadium Sounds
Improved commentary included new lines based on form and transfers, making matches more immersive. Fans would chant player names and celebrate rivalries in regional dialects.
8. Game Modes and Replay Value
Volta Football: Style and Customization
Though no longer a major focus, Volta offered arcade-style street football with tons of cosmetic customization.
List of Volta Features:
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4v4 and 5v5 matches
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Online drop-in games
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Skill games and seasonal content
Pro Clubs: Still Lagging Behind
While cross-play was introduced in some modes, Pro Clubs lacked cross-play, frustrating the loyal community.
9. Performance, Bugs, and Post-Launch Updates
Stability Across Platforms
FIFA 23 launched relatively stable but not without flaws. On PC, anti-cheat issues plagued players, while console users reported menu lag.
Post-Launch Fixes
EA rolled out frequent Title Updates addressing gameplay, bugs, and balancing. Content in FUT remained fresh with Team of the Week, Icons, and SBCs (Squad Building Challenges).
Common Issues Reported:
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Delay in input response
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Inconsistent refereeing decisions
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Overpowered pacey strikers in FUT
10. Final Verdict and Future of the Franchise
A Fitting Finale
FIFA 23 may not be revolutionary, but it’s a refined, polished sendoff for the series. The inclusion of women’s football, revamped FUT chemistry, and enhanced realism through HyperMotion2 mark meaningful steps forward.
Overall Rating: 8.5/10
FIFA 23 is a celebration of football in digital form — not without flaws, but brimming with love for the beautiful game. It sets the stage for EA Sports FC 24, and fans have every reason to be excited for what’s next.
Final Thoughts
As EA parts ways with the FIFA license, FIFA 23 acts as both an ending and a new beginning. For nostalgic fans, it’s a bookend. For new players, it’s an entry point. For all, it’s a reminder of why this franchise has dominated for so long.
Whether you’re dominating in FUT Champions or building your local club’s legacy in Career Mode, FIFA 23 offers something for everyone. One thing’s for certain: this isn’t just the end of FIFA — it’s the dawn of something even bigger.
